Header Right

The Sticky Situation of Asbestos Adhesives in US Construction

With more businesses and households taking intentional steps to create a cleaner environment, one area that needs more attention is the prevalent problem of asbestos adhesives in the US. Before the call for stricter regulation of asbestos in the 1980s, hazardous asbestos adhesives were prominently used in the construction of many homes and businesses. In this article, we will go over where to look to find asbestos adhesives in your home or business, the dangers of this material, and what to do once you find asbestos adhesives on your property.

Where Asbestos Adhesives Are Found

Made popular because of its binding, insulating, and heat resistant properties, asbestos adhesives are found in many areas of older homes and buildings and can cause serious health problems. Knowing where asbestos adhesives were used during construction will help you identify any areas of your home or business that is harboring the dangerous material:

Wall Panels: As a cheap and effective material, asbestos adhesives were often used in homes to attach wallpaper and wall panels such as drywall.

Pipes and Ventilation Ducts: Standard at the time, asbestos adhesives were soaked with cloth strips to seal and insulate piping, boilers, and ventilation ducts.

Ceilings and Floors: Another prominent spot for asbestos adhesives to be used were in ceilings and floors. Asbestos was mixed with glue to stick ceiling tiles on and other asbestos adhesives aided in the installation of wood floor and vinyl tiles.

For more information on how to locate asbestos adhesives in buildings, check out our blog here.

Dangers of Old Asbestos Adhesives

When depreciated or disturbed, asbestos fibers enter the air and can have serious or fatal health effects if not treated properly. It is best practice when working around asbestos adhesives to wear a respirator, have testing done if you suspect you may have breathed in some of the fibers, and to contact asbestos abatement professionals to permanently remove the asbestos adhesives.

While the threat of asbestos exposure has lessened in recent years, many people are knowingly and unknowingly exposed to dangerous asbestos adhesives in their home or business. Are you or someone you know currently in an environment that may contain asbestos? Contact Fiber Control Inc. to get an inspection and ensure your property is clear of this hazardous material. Our professionals are fully licensed and insured to safeguard and remove any asbestos hazards you may have.